I have a mare who is due in early September. It's just June and she's already producing milk. Her bag isn't totally full but you can tell it's filling up. I noticed this two days ago and have called the vet. He told me there wasn't much I could do but keep and eye on her, but I feel I should do more...I just don't know what. She's acting normal, her behavior hasn't changed.

What could be causing this? Is it normal for them to bag up so early (I've never heard of it)? Or should I be worried about a preemie on the way? What should I expect if that is the case?

Any replies or advice would be much appreciated!

I agree with the vet. I don't think there is anything you can do but let nature take its course. Are you sure the mare is indeed pregnant and not showing signs of a false pregnancy? Is she producing milk (white liquid) or is it clear? Is she showing signs of swelling other than in her udder? Is it possible that she was bred earlier? Is this her first pregnancy? Is she a pony (ponies tend to have shorter gestation periods)?
So much development occurs in the last month in utero that a foal born even 3-4 weeks early is severely compromised in its ability to survive and will need your help.
Do keep watch on the mare as she should be your prime concern. And let us know the outcome.

She's a 15 year, TWH mare, she's had 5 foals, prior to us owning her. We, of course, asked if she had any problems with foaling...the answer was no, that she went by the book everytime. But, the owners were a bit...eh. lol No offense to them, but before I bought her they said they MIGHT have seen her in heat a few times and didn't think she was bred...needless to say we had her palped the day after she arrived.

I'm not 100% on her foaling date. Her previous owners said they bred her in November, then swore it was October...that was the date they had marked on their calender...so I'm not sure what to think.

Our farrier was here today and said by the look of her, she was probably farther along than we thought, and he would just keep watch on her.

I can see her from the window in my house and I'm constantly back and froth from the barn. The past couple of nights I've been waking up about every 2 hours to check on her. I'm really worried.

She does have some swelling right in front of her udders. The left udder is bigger than the right...but not by much. As for what color the liquid is, I haven't tried to squeeze any out and it's not dripping. Should I?

Thank you so much for your help!

I am sighing with relief! Sounds to me like she was bred earlier than thought.....those sneaky stallions!
Check out this link on "predicting impending parturition" that was actually given to me by Riverglen on this BB. It will tell you why I asked about the milk.
www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/predicting.htm
This method has always worked for me and I get my sleep too!
Good luck!

Thank you so much for that link! I'm going to try it. I actually have already found myself a black surface, haha. I'll do it during feeding, like mentioned, very convient.

Still though, if she was bred during October...ugh! I'm going to make myself crazy. If she is indeed due in September....would I be seeing any signs of complications? In her behaviour maybe?

In my experience, a mare can start to bag up about 3-4 weeks before delivery of her foal, although she could bag up within a few days of foaling too. Also, the udder will appear quite full in the morning, but much less full in the evening.
If your mare is happy and comfortable (more or less!) don't worry. She has delivered and raised foals before, so she knows what to do. Allow her instincts to guide you, and enjoy the moment!
Oh and I don't think she is going to wait until September to deliver this baby.

I know she won't go until September, and that's what's bothering me. I keep thinking maybe they were right about her breeding date...but..I dunno. Guess I'm just stressing myself out!

Could an ultrasound tell me a little more?

I'm french so I will probably not be able to explain want I want to explain nicely so please have a look at this and do some search about ''red bg delivery'' or ''placentitis'':

COTH Forum, post about Red Bag Delivery (placentitis)

If I was you I would call a GOOD repros vet and have the mare checked asap. It's not normal to have a mare bagging up at 8 month old. Make sure everything is fine and there's no twin or Red bag. If it's a RB you CAN do something.

I hope it's nothing but you better know now and save two life.

Good luck

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cynthia,